The  Zayed National Museum by Foster + Partners

While cities all over the world are building at an extraordinary pace 'signature buildings' that will define their urban areas, none can compare to the subtle and glorious architecture of Abu Dhabi. Shanghai, Dubai, Singapore and all others follow in the desert's nation extraordinary buildings, good taste and future plans.

Abu Dhabi is not seeking the tallest building in the world but instead focusing on culture, quality and edifices that fits into its urban plan. No high and poorly designed monstrosities for this country. Here are some current and projected projects in Abu Dhabi. (Thanks to Architizer.com for some of the information here).

The Louvre Abu Dhabi by Atelier Jean Nouvel

The Yas Hotel by Asymptote Architecture

The Gugenheim Abu Dhabi by Gehry Partners